Breastfeeding: how dads can help
Simply by showing your approval and enthusiasm for breastfeeding you are doing your partner and your baby a huge favour. Breastfeeding may be easier when the breastfeeding mother knows she has the support of her partner, extended family and friends.
Read info and watch film clips especially for dads, or meet other fathers in the discussion forum.
For Fathers
The more you read about breastfeeding, the more apparent the benefits are.
You may not be able to feed your baby, but there are plenty of other ways you can have meaningful contact with her. Giving her a bath, changing her nappy or having a play are all wonderful ways for you to bond with your baby. It also gives your partner a break that she’ll probably really appreciate. It can really help in the early days if you look after the baby as often as you can; that way you can give her mum a bit of time out.
Helping with housework or cooking is another way to support your partner. And when your partner is breastfeeding, you can be there with a glass of water and a quiet chat if needed.
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- Last reviewed16-05-2006
- References
Australian Breastfeeding Association. Just for Fathers. Retrieved February 21st, 2006 from www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/father.html
Bornstein, M.H. (2002). Parenting infants. In M.H. Bornstein (ed), The parenting handbook, vol 1, 3-44. NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Scott, J.A., & Binns, C.W. (1998). Factors associated with the initiation and duration of breastfeeding: A review of the literature. Australian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, 55(2), 51-61.
